Fireplace Makeovers for Hearth & Home

Short Hills, NJ, Before: This brick fireplace needed an update and some character.

After: The brick was covered in sheetrock which received a glazed, lime plaster finish. The mantel, from a Shanghai palace ca. 1890 or so, received a fresh finish with bronze highlights on its details and lighting in its carved openings. The Imperial Brown granite hearth finished the project.

Readington, NJ: A kitchen fireplace and its mantel were off-center and awkwardly placed.

After: The top of the wall was built out to align with the bricks below. The bricks were darkened with a rich, pearlescent bronze glaze. The entire wall received a glazed, plaster finish and a new mantel shelf in a finish which matches the kitchen cabinets.